Our mission is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems.
Established in 1955 by Sir Antony Fisher, the Institute of Economic Affairs has a long and proud history of leading economic and public policy research that has improved our understanding of how markets and liberty enable prosperity.
We publish leading independent research and analysis on a wide range of economic and public policy issues. We host events and debates, work with academics and students, and communicate our ideas widely to improve public understanding of the value of free markets and a free society.
Free markets and a free society
Markets allow for the free and efficient exchange of products. They are the cornerstone of a free and prosperous society, empowering individuals to make decisions tailored to their needs and preferences and to assume responsibility for their lives. Free markets also incentivise entrepreneurs to innovate, creating the vast societal wealth crucial for our collective prosperity and solving humanity’s problems.
The key to resolving Britain’s economic challenges is dismantling obstacles to well-functioning markets. This includes encouraging innovation and growth, boosting competition, reforming an overly burdensome and poorly structured tax system, reducing the red tape that stifles businesses, discouraging corporate rent-seeking, and improving the delivery of public services. It also means developing a culture that respects key institutions such as property rights, the rule of law, and entrepreneurship.
The IEA holds no corporate position. The views in each of our publications, articles, blogs or podcasts are those of the author or speaker alone, not those of the Institute, its managing trustees, Academic Advisory Council members or senior staff. Our contributors share a broad school of thought but often disagree about the best approach to solving economic and social challenges from a free market perspective.
Academically rigorous
The Institute conducts robust evidence-based research on public policy issues and reaches conclusions based on rigorous analysis. The Institute’s distinguished international Academic Advisory Council and an eminent panel of Honorary Fellows support the peer review of IEA publications, which is equivalent to a stringent independent refereeing process by leading academic journals. Publications are distributed globally, frequently reprinted by other organisations, and translated into over twenty-five languages, from Armenian and Serbo-Croat-Bosnian to Swahili and Farsi.
Proudly independent
The Institute of Economic Affairs is entirely independent of any political party or group. We are wholly funded by voluntary donations from individuals, foundations, and companies who support our mission. The IEA does no contract work, accepts no money from government, and retains full editorial control over all of its output. Our research is freely available from this website for any individual or organisation to use and adopt.
Educational Charity
The Institute of Economic Affairs is an educational charity (No CC 235 351) and independent research institute limited by guarantee.